Purchase Officer

1. Source and purchase food products exclusively from local suppliers within the UAE market.
2. Handle purchasing across frozen food, dry food, seafood, dairy products, and fine foods.
3. Identify and maintain a strong network of reliable local food suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors.
4. Obtain quotations from multiple suppliers, compare prices, and negotiate the best rates and payment terms.
5. Ensure products meet required quality, specifications, shelf life, and food safety standards.
6. Monitor local market prices, product availability, and price fluctuations.
7. Prepare purchase orders and follow up with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries.
8. Coordinate with the warehouse and sales teams regarding stock requirements and product availability.
9. Source alternative local suppliers when required to ensure continuous product availability.
10. Negotiate special prices and better commercial terms for regular and bulk purchases.
11. Handle issues related to shortages, quality, damaged products, returns, and replacements.
12. Maintain updated supplier lists, quotations, price comparisons, and purchasing records.
13. Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers across the UAE food market.
14. Ensure cost-effective purchasing without compromising product quality.

Desired Candidate Profile

1. Minimum 2–3 years of purchasing/procurement experience in the UAE food industry.
2. Strong hands-on experience in purchasing frozen food, dry food, seafood, dairy products, and fine foods.
3. Excellent knowledge of the UAE local food market, suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors.
4. Must have a strong existing network of local food suppliers in the UAE.
5. Good knowledge of product quality, specifications, shelf life, storage requirements, and food safety standards.
6. Strong negotiation skills with the ability to secure competitive prices and favourable payment terms.
7. Ability to compare suppliers based on price, quality, availability, and delivery performance.
8. Good understanding of market pricing and product availability.
9. Strong communication and supplier relationship management skills.
10. Proficient in MS Excel and purchasing documentation.
11. Candidates with experience in food trading or food distribution companies will be preferred.
12. Candidates must be currently based in the UAE.
13. Immediate or short-notice joiners will be preferred.